Lamiae, or lamias, otherwise known as laima,[1] are a type of creature often encountered in deserts[4] in the southern parts of the Continent,[3] though some, such as the lamia of Neisse in Gelibol, have ventured into the North and faced persecution, often being burned alive on pyres.[1]
Characteristics[]
They are resistant to iron and regarded by some as the variety of vampire because of their fondness to blood and shapeshifting abilities;[3] others consider them a close relatives of sirens and ekhidnae.[2]
Lamiae's natural form is that of a huge, hideous snake with a feminine head. To lure their victims, they can transform into the form of a beautiful woman; even in this form however they can be recognized by a keen observer thanks to their fangs and forked tongues.[3]
Lamiae in culture[]
Lamiae and succubi are seen as avatars of goddess Lilit-Niya by her followers. Her underground temples may sometimes how a lamia in the cellar, which is regularly given offerings – sometimes of a human male.[5]
Their fearsome reputation gave name to a very nasty whip of Mayhe origin.[6]
Trivia[]
- Their name and appearance is drawn from Greek mythology, as Lamia was a beautiful queen of ancient Libya who became a child-eating demon.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Witch's Lament
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Wiedźmin: Gra Wyobraźni
- ↑ Time of Contempt
- ↑ Wiedźmin: Gra Wyobraźni – Kult Lilit ("The Cult of Lilit") article in Gwiezdny Pirat magazine
- ↑ Sword of Destiny